School Board Member Resigns over Facebook Slur
Clint McCance is a school board member in Midland, Arkansas. He became aware of a Facebook campaign that started in response to recent suicides of several gay and lesbian teens who reportedly had been bullied.
The campaign asked for supporters of anti-bullying policies to wear purple on October 20, 2010, that was designated as Spirit Day. McCance allegedly posted a message saying the only way he would wear purple was “if they all commit suicide”. He stated further that he would disown his own children if they were gay.
Clint McCance Resigns
McCance’s Facebook rant read as follows: “Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers killed themselves. The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed thereselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE.”
Human rights groups called for the resignation of McCance. A Facebook page called “Fire Clint McCance” had more than 15,000 members within a few days.
McCance later disowned the comments stating “I would never support suicide for any kids. I don’t support bullying of any kids.” Soon after he resigned from the school board following a backlash he didn’t see coming. Reportedly, he was compelled to send his wife and two children out of state due to death threats.
